[A review of Norwegian studies--how much do we exercise during our leisure time?]

Low levels of physical activity is associated with major health problems. However, no overview of the level of physical activity outside work or school in Norway has been made, which is important in order to implement targeted interventions.

Based on published as well as unpublished data, we present data on physical activity in Norway--among children and adolescents, adults and elderly people.

Results from different studies differ markedly. However, the main findings are these: The level of physical activity increases in childhood up until about 13 years of age. Approximately 70% of adolescents are active two hours or more a week beyond school-hours. The proportion of physical active youngsters then decreases towards young adulthood. Adults and elderly people get more inactive with increasing age. Data on physical activity from the past 10-15 years suggest a slight increase in the proportion of moderately active Norwegians.

Research on physical activity is impeded by the fact that different studies have operationalized physical activity differently and used different age grouping. There is a need for surveys in representative samples with standardised and validated questions, with uniform age classification, covering the full spectre of physical activity. In addition, we need smaller studies with more comprehensive measures of physical activity in Norway.